How to Access TDS Challans on Traces

The Income Tax Department's TRACES (TDS Reconciliation Analysis and Correction Enabling System) a online platform created to simplify TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) management for both taxpayers and deductors.

What can you do on TRACES?

·       Taxpayers: 

o   View and download Form 26AS, a consolidated statement of your TDS deductions.

o   Request corrections to TDS/TCS (Tax Collected at Source) statements.

o   Check the status of challans (tax payment slips).

o   View the status of various tax statements.

o   Submit online refund requests.

o   Download consolidated TDS files, justification reports, and Forms 16 & 16A (for reference only).

·       TDS Decductors: (In addition to the above) 

o   Submit correction statements for previously filed TDS returns.

o   Rectify errors in online challan (OLTAS) submissions.

o   Download justification reports containing details of errors or defaults identified by the Income Tax Department in your TDS statements.

How to Register on TRACES

·       Taxpayers and PAOs (Paying Authorities): 

1.      Visit the TRACES website (https://contents.tdscpc.gov.in/) and click "Register as New User."

2.      Enter your PAN details and other required information.

3.      Verify your email address and phone number using the provided activation codes.

·       TDS Decductors: 

1.      Follow steps 1 & 2 above, but select "Deductor" as the user type during registration.

2.      Upon successful registration, activation links and codes will be sent to your registered email and mobile number.

How to Login to TRACES

1.      Visit the TRACES login page (https://contents.tdscpc.gov.in/).

2.      Enter your Login ID (usually your TIN) and password.

3.      Click "Go" to access the TRACES portal.

TRACES Justification Reports

These reports detail any errors or defaults the Income Tax Department found while processing your TDS statement. The report details the discrepancies and helps you rectify them by filing correction statements and paying applicable interest/fees. You can also use the report to explain any discrepancies with the tax authorities.

Generating TRACES Compliance Reports (for Taxpayers)

This report highlights any defaults across all TANs (Tax Deduction and Collection Account Numbers) linked to your PAN. 

1.      Log in to TRACES as a taxpayer.

2.      Click on the "Aggregated TDS Compliance" tab.

3.      Choose the filter (based on default or financial year).

4.      Click "Submit Request."

5.      Download the corresponding Excel file from the "Requested Downloads" section under the "Downloads" menu.

Requesting Resolution for Discrepancies

TRACES offers a "Request for Resolution" feature to address TDS-related issues.

1.      Log in to TRACES as a taxpayer.

2.      Click on the "Request for Resolution" tab.

3.      Select the relevant category and assessment year for your request.

4.      Fill out the required details and submit your request.

5.      You will receive a ticket number confirming successful submission.

Checking Ticket Status

TRACES allows you to track the progress of your raised requests through the following status options:

·       Open: The assessment officer reviews the request within a specified timeframe.

·       In Progress: You and the assessing officer have exchanged clarifications.

·       Clarification Asked: The tax authorities require further clarification. The ticket will be closed if no response is received within 30 days.

·       Request for Closure: Provide clarification and request closure. The ticket will be automatically closed if no action is taken within 30 days.

By utilizing TRACES' functionalities, taxpayers and deductors can easily manage their TDS obligations, make sure they file on time, and clear any issues with the Income Tax Department.